Zeppelin in black — the model of the LZ 20

Model of the WW I German Navy Zeppelin LZ 20 in the Personal Courage Wing of the Museum of Flight (note the gondolas forward and aft) — photo by Joseph May

There is precious little information displayed with this large model, only the name of the vessel, the LZ 20 though it is a large model that is about 15 feet (~4.5m) long and finely detailed, making it well worth a study. It is about 1:48 scale, ebony black and shows the sophistication of German industry with Zeppelin’s ability to build enormous lighter-than-air flying machines. Crew figures can be seen manning positions to operate the LZ 20 as well as defend it as they flew through the night — likely using the night as well as altitude to best defend their craft against opposing fighters as well as antiaircraft fire.

Perspective view of the model LZ 20 showing the forward gondola — photo by Joseph May

The fine detail of the LZ 20 model shows the numerous tension cables used to support the cruciform tail (barely seen is the rear defensive machine gun station in the tail cone behind the dorsal fin) — photo by Joseph May

The forward upper defensive machine gun position of the model LZ 20 — photo by Joseph May

Closer view of the forward upper machine gun position shows it was a platform supporting three pedestal mounted machine guns open to the elements no matter how fast the LZ 20 or how cold and wet the weather — photo by Joseph May

The forward gondola detail of the LZ 20, note the sandbags as well as crewman on the ladder connecting the gondola to the fuselage as well as pusher mounted engine — photo by Joseph May

Model of the WW I German Navy Zeppelin LZ 20 as it sits in the upper gallery of the Personal Courage Wing — photo by Joseph May

This model, as well as many more, can be seen among the aircraft in the Personal Courage Wing of the Museum of Flight — not to mention many, many more in the other display areas 🙂

The museum has a great many models but the lighting combined with my lens selection didn’t allow me for proper quality photos. The model maker skills exhibited are unsurpassed. I especially liked the cases in the WW I aircraft area where I could see all those very large aircraft in comparison to the ones we are familiar with — just outstanding 🙂